The showcase of fine flowers, plump vegetables, and exquisite displays is nothing new. The original event was called the Great Spring Show. It was held at an RHS garden in Kensington back in 1862 and was attended by the most affluent members of the surrounding areas. With limited travel available, only those who could afford to hire safe transportation were able to indulge and for this reason, it was eventually moved to a more central location – Temple. 

In 1912, the originally scheduled show was forced to move to make space for another – The Royal International Horticultural Exhibition. It is said that The Royal Hospital in Chelsea was chosen on a last-minute bid to avoid cancellation. And here, it found its forever home, with excellent transportation links and an affable location that drew in many more visitors. Today, The Chelsea Garden show is attended by over 150,000 visitors every single year and its numbers are only growing. It is covered via the BBC and has the Royal Patronage of the RHS. 

The 2023 show is said to be one of the biggest and most culturally focused of them all. It has a number of exciting new additions, including Show Gardens and smaller Sanctuary Gardens. The overriding theme will circle around restorative spaces – mainly looking at outdoor spaces that help to promote healthy living for those frequenting them. There is also a large focus on inclusive gardens for all and the ability to create stylish areas that support both sustainability and environmental growth. With five days of press and public guests, The Chelsea Flower Show is expected to be a significant event on the calendar for many.